A torrential downpour that struck Dunedin kept firefighters
busy dealing with reports of flooding around the city this
afternoon.
The sudden downpour left staff at several Dunedin businesses
in clean-up mode after it struck about 4pm.
Senior Station Officer Jason Hill, of Dunedin Central, said
firefighters responded to about eight water-related callouts
in 40 minutes.
''It was just all water-related - water coming in roofs,
flooding, or water in the fire alarm system - all down to the
heavy rain,'' he said.
That included R&R Sport, after staff discovered water
coming in through the ceiling, while staff at Alibi, in the
Octagon, and Jay Jays clothing store, on George St, were also
left mopping up.
In Mosgiel, water again rose over the footpath at Gordon Rd,
threatening shops in the area, but did not result in
flooding.
The rain came after a severe thunderstorm watch was issued
for parts of the South Island earlier in the day.
The Metservice warning covered Central Otago, the Southern
Lakes, Dunedin, North Otago, Clutha and Southland. It also
applied to the Canterbury plains and the Canterbury high
country.
Hail and rainfall of 25mm per hour are possible, which could
lead to surface and/or flash flooding, especially around
low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys,
and may also lead to slips.
A powerful storm hit the Teviot Valley early this afternoon,
and thunder and rain were continuing past 3pm. Elsewhere in
Otago there were reports of some rain and mainly overcast
conditions.
An ODT Online reader later emailed from Herbert in North
Otago to say there was ''massive thunder and lightning and
torrential rain''.
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